What you can't ship from Japan to Australia
68 Japan Post import rules · verified · source: Japan Post
Short answer: Japan Post lists 25 item types that cannot be sent to Australia and 41 that can be sent only under conditions and 2 need a manual review. Separately, Japan Post applies 278 carrier-wide rules to every destination, covering dangerous goods and items banned from international mail — perfume, aerosols and lithium batteries among them. Rules last verified against Japan Post on July 25, 2026.
- Prohibited
- 25
- Conditional
- 41
- Needs review
- 2
- Carrier-wide rules
- 278
These are the destination rules Japan Post publishes for Australia. They do not repeat the items Japan Post refuses to every country — those are on one shared page, linked below. A rule marked conditional allows the item only when the stated conditions hold; whether your product qualifies is what the ShipMate GO app works out before you book.
Plants & animals
8 prohibited · 10 conditional
- Prohibited
Animal Products (various)
A broad range of animal-derived products are prohibited from shipment to Australia, including medicines containing animal ingredients, animal by-products, honeycomb, animal fertilisers (excluding guano), animal bladders, egg packaging materials, used animal care equipment (excluding harnesses), dried blood and blood proteins, raw animal stomach and extracts, animal semen, bird carcasses and edible parts (including poultry), bird feathers, and oysters in shell.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Prohibited
Dried plant materials
Teas containing items such as seeds and fruit peel, and medicines, pharmaceuticals, and foods containing herbs, seeds, bark, mushrooms, or other dried plant materials are prohibited from shipment to Australia. For other plant-related items, refer to the conditional entry for 'Plants'.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 12
- Prohibited
Fruits and Vegetables
All fruits and vegetables, including fruit products and vegetable products, are prohibited from being shipped to Australia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers both fresh produce and processed fruit and vegetable products.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 08
- Prohibited
Handicrafts / Handcrafted Items
Handicrafts and souvenir items made from untreated raw hides, feathers, teeth, bones, or other animal parts are prohibited from being shipped to Australia. Also prohibited are dried flowers, potpourri, and products containing seeds, pine cones, bark husks, or straw.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 97
- Prohibited
Live animals
All live animals, including those in egg form, are prohibited for shipment to Australia, except for those items defined under conditionally permitted goods.
Details and exceptions
- Item is defined under conditionally permitted goods → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 01
- Prohibited
Plant-based food products (rice, wheat, grains, edible seeds, nuts, and legumes)
Rice, wheat, grains, edible seeds, nuts, and legumes are prohibited from shipment to Australia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. Other plant products are addressed separately under the conditional entry for 'Plants'.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 10
- Prohibited
Plants, seeds, and soil
Plants (including roots, bulbs, seeds, and other plant material), seeds, soil, sand, soil fertilizers, shoes and tools soiled with plant material, and gifts or toys containing seeds, sand, soil, or straw are prohibited when shipping to Australia. Items not covered by this entry should be referred to the conditional entry for 'plants'.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
- Prohibited
Used tea leaves (spent tea leaves / tea grounds)
Used/spent tea leaves (tea grounds) are prohibited from being shipped to Australia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This item may not be included in any shipment to Australia under these shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 09
- Conditional
Animal hair
Animal hair is conditionally permitted for shipment to Australia, provided that documentation detailing its washing/cleaning process is included. Without such a statement, the item is not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- A statement detailing the washing/cleaning process of the animal hair is provided → permitted
Documents: Statement detailing the washing/cleaning process of the animal hair (洗滌についての明細書)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Conditional
Animal Products
Animal products including drums made from untanned leather, hunting trophies, vaccines, and cultures are conditionally permitted into Australia only when authorization has been obtained from the destination country's customs authority or quarantine service. No other animal products are addressed by this entry.
Conditions and documents
- drums made from untanned leather, hunting trophies, vaccines, or cultures with authorization from the destination country's customs authority or quarantine service → permitted
Documents: Authorization from Australian customs authority or quarantine service (service de la sante)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Conditional
Honeybees
Honeybees are conditionally permitted for shipment to Australia, provided the specified conditions are met. No further conditions are detailed in the source text.
Conditions and documents
- specified conditions are met → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 01
- Conditional
Insects and insect parasites
Insects and insect parasites may only be shipped to Australia if they are intended for experimental or plant/animal protection purposes and a permit has been obtained from the head of a quarantine station. All other shipments are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Intended for experimental or plant/animal protection purposes AND a permit has been obtained from the head of a quarantine station → permitted
Documents: Permit from the head of a quarantine station (検疫所長の許可)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 01
- Conditional
Live fish and fish eggs
Live fish and fish eggs may only be shipped to Australia if a permit from the Minister for Customs and General Taxation has been obtained and all sanitary regulations are complied with. Shipment is conditional on meeting both of these requirements.
Conditions and documents
- Permit obtained from the Minister for Customs and General Taxation AND sanitary regulations complied with → permitted
Documents: Permit from the Minister for Customs and General Taxation
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 03
- Conditional
Plants
Plants shipped to Australia may require an export inspection by a plant protection station and an import permit from the destination country. Rice additionally requires prior notification to the regional agricultural policy bureau except when sent non-commercially for personal use.
Conditions and documents
- Export inspection by plant protection station and import permit from destination country obtained → permitted
- Rice sent non-commercially for personal use → no prior notification to regional agricultural policy bureau required
- Rice sent for purposes other than non-commercial personal use → prior notification to regional agricultural policy bureau required
Documents: Export inspection certificate from plant protection station (植物防疫所による輸出検査); Import permit from destination country's plant protection authority (名宛国の輸入許可証); Prior notification to regional agricultural policy bureau (地方農政局等への届出) for rice sent other than non-commercially for personal use
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 06
- Conditional
Reptile and fish skins
Reptile and fish skins are conditionally permitted to Australia, provided that approval has been obtained from the destination country's quarantine authority. Shipments without such authorization are not allowed.
Conditions and documents
- Approval obtained from the destination country's quarantine authority → permitted
Documents: Quarantine authority approval from the destination country (Australia)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 41
- Conditional
Silkworm
Silkworms are conditionally permitted for import into Australia and may only be shipped when the applicable conditions are met. The specific conditions are not detailed in the source text.
Conditions and documents
- prescribed conditions are met → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 01
- Conditional
Water leeches (水ひる)
Water leeches are conditionally permitted for shipment to Australia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. They are only allowed when specified conditions are met.
Conditions and documents
- meets prescribed/specified conditions → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 05
- Conditional
Wool and wool samples
Wool and wool samples weighing 3 pounds (1.362 kg) or less are conditionally permitted, provided they meet the destination country's requirements regarding dispatch and disinfection, and are sent by sea mail only.
Conditions and documents
- Weight is 3 pounds (1.362 kg) or less, meets destination country's requirements for dispatch and disinfection, and is sent by sea mail → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 51
Food
2 prohibited · 8 conditional
- Prohibited
Eggs (raw)
Raw eggs are prohibited from being shipped to Australia via regular mail, parcel, or EMS. This restriction applies to unprocessed, shell eggs in their raw state.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Prohibited
Meat (raw)
Raw meat is prohibited from being shipped to Australia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies to raw meat in any form.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 02
- Conditional
Confectionery
Confectionery containing alcoholic beverages is permitted only with authorization from Australian customs authorities. General confectionery without alcohol is not subject to this specific restriction.
Conditions and documents
- confectionery contains alcoholic beverages and customs authority authorization has been obtained → permitted
Documents: Authorization from Australian customs authorities (for confectionery containing alcoholic beverages)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 17
- Conditional
Dairy products, noodles, and egg products
Australia admits shelf-stable instant noodles in single-serve retail packs for personal use without an import permit, as long as any meat is flavouring only — noodles containing visible pieces of meat are seized at the border. Dried noodles that need cooking, bulk or multi-serve noodles, dairy products, egg products and fresh or chilled noodles have their own BICON import conditions and are checked by ShipMate staff.
Conditions and documents
- Instant noodles containing visible pieces of meat (chunks, mince, slices or dried meat) → Not permitted — no personal-use import pathway; seized by Australian biosecurity
- Dried, fresh, bulk or other noodle, dairy or egg products containing visible pieces of uncanned meat (not commercially canned or retort-pouched) → Not permitted — no personal-use import pathway; seized by Australian biosecurity
- Shelf-stable instant noodles in single-serve retail packs (ready after hot water or brief heating), with no visible pieces of meat — meat flavouring, extract or seasoning only → Permitted for personal use without an import permit (BICON: Noodles)
- Consignment 10 kg or less → Required for the personal-use pathway
- Egg and dairy content each below 10 % of the product → Required for the personal-use pathway
- Dairy products, egg products, fresh, chilled or frozen noodles, dried noodles that need cooking, or bulk / multi-serve noodle packs → Review — BICON import conditions apply
- Commercially canned or retort-pouched noodle, dairy or egg foods containing pieces of meat → Review — BICON retorted-meat conditions apply
- The item is not a noodle, dairy or egg product → Not applicable — this entry does not govern the item
- Japan Post's wording: permitted only with permission from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) → Superseded — AQIS no longer exists and private recipients cannot obtain an import permit; BICON's personal-use conditions decide
Documents: Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) permit
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Conditional
Honey
Honey may only be shipped to Australia if it is addressed to the Chief Quarantine Officer of the destination country. Shipments not directed to that official are not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Addressed to the Chief Quarantine Officer of the destination country → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Conditional
Kneaded/paste goods (練った物)
Kneaded or paste-form goods are conditionally permitted for shipment to Australia via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. Acceptance is limited to items that meet the specified conditions.
Conditions and documents
- meets the prescribed/specified conditions → permitted
- Conditional
Livestock feed made from fish and whale
Livestock feed made from fish and whale is conditionally permitted to Australia, but only when shipped by sea mail. Other shipping methods are not allowed for this item.
Conditions and documents
- Shipped by sea mail → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 23
- Conditional
Meat products
Australia does not admit uncanned meat by mail for personal use — fresh, frozen, dried, smoked, salted or vacuum-packed meat needs an import permit that private recipients cannot obtain. Commercially canned or retort-pouched meat, and the few products with their own BICON personal-use conditions (jerky and biltong, pâté, pork crackling), are checked by ShipMate staff. Meat flavouring, extract or seasoning on its own is not meat.
Conditions and documents
- Meat, or a food containing pieces of meat, that is fresh, frozen, dried, smoked, salted or vacuum-packed (not commercially canned or retort-pouched, and not jerky, biltong, pâté or pork crackling) → Not permitted — requires an import permit that private recipients cannot obtain
- Commercially canned or retort-pouched meat → Review — BICON retorted-meat conditions apply
- Jerky or biltong, pâté or meat paste, or pork crackling → Review — BICON personal-use conditions for these products apply
- The item contains no pieces of meat (meat flavouring, extract or seasoning only) → Not applicable — this entry does not govern the item
- Japan Post's wording: permitted only with permission from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) → Superseded — AQIS no longer exists and private recipients cannot obtain an import permit; BICON's personal-use conditions decide
Documents: Authorization from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 16
- Conditional
Perishable foods
Perishable foods are permitted to Australia only when specified conditions are met. Shipment is conditional across regular mail, parcel, and EMS services.
Conditions and documents
- specified conditions are met → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 04
- Conditional
Pet food of animal origin
Pet food derived from animal products may be shipped to Australia, but it will be destroyed if the recipient is unable to obtain a permit from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Import is conditional on the recipient securing the required departmental approval.
Conditions and documents
- Recipient obtains a permit from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry → permitted
- Recipient is unable to obtain a permit from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry → destroyed
Documents: Permit from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (recipient-obtained)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 23
Medicine & supplements
1 prohibited · 8 conditional · 1 need review
- Prohibited
Tuberculosis preventive drugs
Tuberculosis preventive drugs are prohibited from being shipped to Australia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies regardless of quantity or form.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Needs review
Smallpox vaccines, emulsions, and plasma
Smallpox vaccines, emulsions, and plasma may only be sent to Australia if the sender has obtained permission from the Director General of Health of the destination country. Shipment without this authorization is not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Director General of Health of Australia → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Director General of Health of Australia
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Anesthetics, hallucinogens, and related controlled substances
Anesthetics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, other central nervous system stimulants, and barbiturates (a type of hypnotic/sedative) are conditionally permitted for shipment to Australia. They are allowed only when the sender or recipient has obtained authorization from the Director General of Health of Australia.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Director General of Health of the destination country (Australia) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Director General of Health of Australia
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Antidotes / detoxification agents
Antidotes for hangover, alcohol intoxication, nicotine addiction, or addiction to opium, cocaine, or other drugs may only be shipped to Australia if permission has been obtained from the Director General of Health of the destination country.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Director General of Health of Australia → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Director General of Health of Australia
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Aphrodisiacs and Glycol-Containing Products
Cantharides and other aphrodisiacs, as well as food, beverages, and medicines containing glycol, are conditionally permitted for shipment to Australia only when the recipient holds prior authorization from the Director General of Health. No such items may be shipped without that authorization in place.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Director General of Health of the destination country → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Director General of Health (Australia)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 29
- Conditional
Non-infectious substances, poisons for medical purposes, and medicines
Non-infectious substances, poisons intended for medical purposes, and medicines are conditionally permitted provided the specified conditions are met. Infectious substances are not accepted.
Conditions and documents
- non-infectious substances, medical poisons, or medicines meeting the specified conditions → permitted
- infectious substances → prohibited
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Oral and Topical Medications
Oral medications (medicines taken by mouth) and topical medications (medicines applied to the skin or body surface) are conditionally permitted to Australia. Shipment is allowed only if the Director General of Health of the destination country has granted approval.
Conditions and documents
- Approval has been granted by the Director General of Health of Australia → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Tablets (pills)
Tablets (pills) are conditionally permitted to Australia via regular mail, parcel, and EMS, provided the applicable conditions are met. Shipments not satisfying the specified conditions are not allowed.
Conditions and documents
- 所定の条件にかなっている場合 (prescribed conditions are met) → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Therapeutic devices
Therapeutic devices that operate by electrical, ultrasonic, magnetic, or radioactive element action are conditionally permitted for import into Australia. Entry is allowed only when the consignee has obtained authorization from the Director General of Health.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Director General of Health (名あて国の保健局長) of Australia → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Director General of Health of Australia
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 90
- Conditional
Thermometer
Thermometers are conditionally permitted for shipment to Australia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. They are allowed only when the conditions prescribed by the destination country are met.
Conditions and documents
- Conditions prescribed by Australia are met → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 90
Currency & valuables
4 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Banknotes
Banknotes are prohibited from being shipped to Australia via regular mail and parcel services. This restriction applies regardless of currency or denomination.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Bullion and Banknotes
Bullion (precious metal ingots/bars) and banknotes are prohibited from being shipped to Australia via regular mail and parcel services. These items may not be included in shipments under the applicable shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Prohibited
Counterfeit banknotes
Counterfeit banknotes are prohibited from being shipped to Australia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions are stated in the source.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Prohibited
Counterfeit Currency
Counterfeit currency is prohibited from being shipped to Australia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. No exceptions are stated.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Conditional
Currency and Precious Metals
Coins, bearer negotiable instruments, platinum, gold, silver, pearls, gemstones, and other valuables may only be sent as insured parcels. Shipment is conditional on the parcel being insured.
Conditions and documents
- Shipment is sent as an insured parcel → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
Chemicals
1 prohibited · 2 conditional · 1 need review
- Prohibited
Matches
Matches are prohibited from shipment to Australia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This restriction applies regardless of type or packaging.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 36
- Needs review
Pathogenic bacteria, bacteria, pathogens, and related substances
Pathogenic bacteria, bacteria, pathogens, and substances that contain or may contain them (such as cultures and viruses) are conditionally permitted only when authorization has been obtained from the Director General of Health of the destination country. Shipment without this authorization is not permitted.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Director General of Health (名あて国の保健局長) of Australia → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Director General of Health of Australia
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Absinth Oil
Absinth oil may only be shipped to Australia if the recipient has obtained prior permission from the Director General of Health. This condition applies across Regular, Parcel, and EMS shipping types.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Director General of Health in Australia → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Director General of Health (Australia)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 33
- Conditional
Clothing and fabrics made from hazardous chemical substances
Clothing and fabrics made from hazardous chemical substances are conditionally permitted for import into Australia. Such items are allowed only if the importer has obtained authorization from the Director General of Health.
Conditions and documents
- Authorization obtained from the Director General of Health of the destination country → permitted
Documents: Authorization from the Director General of Health (Australia)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 61
Weapons
1 prohibited · 1 conditional
- Prohibited
Weapons and Ammunition
Firearms, weapons including grenades and mortars, their parts, and inert versions of these items are prohibited. Items resembling or liable to be mistaken for such weapons — including replicas and props — as well as any article capable of endangering persons or property, regardless of whether it is harmful, are also prohibited.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
- Conditional
Weapons (conditional)
Certain weapons and related items — including war instruments, daggers, electric shock devices, acoustic shock devices, gas/liquid discharge devices, poison arrows, flick knives, knuckledusters, spiked gloves, concealed-blade weapons, hunting slingshots, crossbows, shuriken, body armour, firearm suppressors, and detachable magazines — are conditionally permitted to Australia only with written authorisation from the relevant Australian authorities. All other weapons and ammunition are prohibited.
Conditions and documents
- Written authorisation obtained from the relevant Australian authorities → permitted
- No written authorisation from the relevant Australian authorities → prohibited — refer to prohibited items category 'weapons and ammunition'
Documents: Written authorisation from the relevant authorities of the destination country (Australia)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 93
Tobacco
1 prohibited
- Prohibited
Tobacco and Cigars
All tobacco products including cigarettes and cigars are prohibited for shipment to Australia, except chewing tobacco and snuff tobacco within 1.5 kg. Chewing tobacco and snuff tobacco not exceeding 1.5 kg are exempt from this prohibition.
Details and exceptions
- chewing tobacco or snuff tobacco weighing 1.5 kg or less → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 24
Other items
7 prohibited · 11 conditional
- Prohibited
Articles manufactured by prisoners
Articles wholly or partly manufactured by prisoners are prohibited from being shipped to Australia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This applies regardless of the type of goods involved.
- Prohibited
Collectible stamps (philatelic items) sent under false addresses via registered mail
Registered mail items containing collectible stamps that bear a false or fictitious addressee are prohibited from shipment to Australia. This prohibition applies to both Regular and EMS shipping types.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 97
- Prohibited
Opium pipes and their parts and accessories
Opium pipes, along with their parts and accessories, are prohibited from being shipped to Australia via regular mail, parcel, and EMS. This prohibition covers the complete item as well as any individual components or attachments.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 96
- Prohibited
Prohibited packaging materials (straw, plant materials, fruit/vegetable/egg/meat cartons)
Straw and other plant-based materials must not be used as packing material for shipments to Australia. Cardboard boxes previously used for fruit, vegetables, eggs, or meat (whether new or used) are also prohibited as packing material.
- Prohibited
Registered mail containing valuables
Registered ordinary mail items containing valuables such as jewels, precious metals, pearls, certificates, coins, or other negotiable securities are prohibited for shipment to Australia. This restriction applies to regular shipping.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 71
- Prohibited
Used bedding and articles made from textile waste
Used bedding, as well as rags, wool waste, cotton waste, and other textile scraps — including bedding and other articles made from such materials — are prohibited from shipment to Australia via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services. This prohibition covers both secondhand bedding items and products manufactured from waste or scrap textile fibers.
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 63
- Prohibited
- Conditional
Coats of Arms and Similar Emblems
Articles bearing a national flag, coat of arms, or similar emblem of Australia or its territories, or designs that could be mistaken for such symbols, are subject to conditional acceptance. Shippers must ensure compliance with applicable requirements before sending such items.
Conditions and documents
- Article displays a national flag or coat of arms of Australia or its territories, or a design that could be mistaken for such symbols → conditional
- Conditional
Electronic dog collar
Electronic dog collars are conditionally permitted for shipment to Australia. They are allowed only when the specified conditions are met.
Conditions and documents
- specified conditions are met → permitted
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 85
- Conditional
Film etc.
Motion picture film may only be shipped to Australia if prior approval has been obtained from the Chief Film Censor. Shipment is conditional on holding this authorization.
Conditions and documents
- Approval obtained from the Chief Film Censor of the destination country (Australia) → permitted
Documents: Approval/permit from the Chief Film Censor of Australia
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 37
- Conditional
Goods considered dangerous and harmful to the public
Goods deemed dangerous and harmful to the public may only be shipped to Australia if permission has been obtained from the Director General of Health of the destination country. No other conditions or exceptions are stated in the source.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Director General of Health of the destination country (Australia) → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Director General of Health of Australia
- Conditional
Human bones and tissue for scientific purposes
Human bones and tissue intended for scientific use may only be shipped to Australia if the recipient has obtained permission from the Director General of Health. No other conditions for entry are stated.
Conditions and documents
- Permission has been obtained from the Director General of Health of the destination country (Australia) → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Director General of Health of Australia
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 30
- Conditional
Liquids
Liquids are permitted to Australia only when specified conditions are met. Shipment is allowed via Regular, Parcel, and EMS services.
Conditions and documents
- meets specified/prescribed conditions → permitted
- Conditional
Powder
Powder is permitted to Australia only when it meets the prescribed conditions. No further detail on those conditions is provided in the source.
Conditions and documents
- meets the prescribed conditions → permitted
- Conditional
Printed matter, clothing, and similar items (restricted categories)
Certain printed materials and children's clothing are conditionally permitted to Australia, but only with prior authorization from Australian customs authorities. Specifically, this covers documents that may incite the violent overthrow of government, annulment of laws, assassination of officials, or unlawful destruction of property, as well as children's garments made from flammable fabric.
Conditions and documents
- Prior authorization obtained from the customs authorities of the destination country (Australia) → permitted
Documents: Authorization from Australian customs authorities
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 49
- Conditional
Used carpets and similar items
Used carpets and similar items are conditionally permitted for shipment to Australia. They are only allowed when the recipient has obtained permission from the Director General of Health.
Conditions and documents
- Permission obtained from the Director General of Health of the destination country → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Director General of Health (Australia)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 57
- Conditional
Used clothing
Used clothing is conditionally permitted for import into Australia, except when imported for personal or family use. A permit from the Director General of Health of the destination country is required.
Conditions and documents
- Imported for personal or family use → permitted (exempt from permit requirement)
- Not imported for personal or family use, and permit from Director General of Health obtained → permitted
- Not imported for personal or family use, and no permit from Director General of Health → not permitted
Documents: Permit from the Director General of Health of Australia
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 63
- Conditional
Used jute sacks
Used jute sacks may be sent to Australia only with permission from the Director General of Health, and only after being held for 90 days and, where required, undergoing disinfection as directed by the Chief Quarantine Officer. No exceptions to these conditions are stated.
Conditions and documents
- Held for 90 days and, where required, disinfected as directed by the Chief Quarantine Officer, and permission obtained from the Director General of Health → permitted
Documents: Permission from the Director General of Health (Australia)
Source: Japan Post · HS chapter 63
Applies to every destination, including Australia
Japan Post applies 278 carrier-wide rules to every country on top of the rules above — outright bans on dangerous goods such as perfume, aerosols and lighters, and conditions on items such as lithium batteries.
Not sure about a specific item for Australia?
This page lists Japan Post's rules. The ShipMate GO app checks your actual item against them, asks the one or two questions a conditional rule needs, and tells you the outcome before anything is charged. Sending a parcel from Japan? Booking is free and you pay once, after weighing. Shopping from abroad with Shop for Me? Anything that can't ship is dropped from your order before you pay for the goods.
Common questions
- What can't I ship from Japan to Australia?
- Japan Post's import rules for Australia prohibit 25 item types, including Plants, seeds, and soil; Used bedding and articles made from textile waste; Live animals; Bullion and Banknotes; Used tea leaves (spent tea leaves / tea grounds); Animal Products (various); Meat (raw); Eggs (raw); and 17 more. On top of these, Japan Post refuses dangerous goods such as perfume, aerosols and loose lithium batteries to every destination.
- Which items can be shipped to Australia only under conditions?
- 41 item types are allowed only when Japan Post's stated conditions are met — for example Water leeches (水ひる); Non-infectious substances, poisons for medical purposes, and medicines; Thermometer; Animal Products; Meat products; Perishable foods; Weapons (conditional); Powder; and 33 more. Whether a specific product qualifies depends on the item, which is what the ShipMate GO app checks before you book.
- Does an item that isn't listed here ship freely to Australia?
- Not necessarily. This page lists the import rules Japan Post publishes for Australia; an item that isn't named has no specific rule here, but it may still fall under Japan Post's carrier-wide bans or a general category such as food or medicine. Check the exact item in the ShipMate GO app, which reads these rules live and asks the follow-up questions a conditional rule needs.